Mike Zimmer tried to curb his enthusiasm this morning, having just seen Vikings nose tackle Linval Joseph in a walkthrough setting only. But Zimmer couldn't help but gush about the big guy.
"He came in in tremendous-looking physical shape," the Vikings head coach said. "He weighed 317, benches 500 pounds. And watching him out there in the walkthrough -- which doesn't mean anything -- he looked like how a nose tackle is supposed to look. … I have high, high expectations of him, but they're reserved a little bit because I've [only] seen him do a walkthrough."
For the first time since joining the Vikings as a free agent in March, Joseph was on the practice field without restrictions. He had offseason surgery on his right shoulder after his 2013 season with the Giants ended and was only able to participate on a limited basis during spring workouts.
But now that doctors have cleared him for the team's first camp practice here at Minnesota State Mankato this afternoon, Joseph is fired up -- in a subdued manner -- and ready to roll.
"I feel good coming in," the 25-year-old said. "I battled back from my injury and I'm just ready to go and help this team win games and take us to the promised land."
Joseph admitted it was frustrating this spring standing off to the side while watching his new teammates practice. He tried to make the most of it by taking mental reps to learn the plays, but there is no substitute for lining up against center John Sullivan and learning the playbook while butting helmets. He will get to do that today and start to acclimate himself in Zimmer's defense.
"I'm going to do whatever they want me to do," Joseph said. "My job right now is to stop the run and make plays and try to get sacks -- do it all."
Zimmer said the nose tackle position is critical in his defense, which explains why he was about as giddy as Mike Zimmer can probably get during a long news conference after a walkthrough.
